Decades after he was tragically murdered, Lennon remains an iconic figure. His music, words and worldview are timeless. People of all ages and backgrounds still listen to his songs, and he continues to serve as a source of inspiration for those seeking to build a less selfish, violent and intolerant world.

Indeed, in spite of the fact it’s been 35 years since he died, Lennon continues to capture our “imagination.”

Lennon was a complicated individual who somehow managed to embody notions of peace and love despite his volatile personality. Perhaps this is why people have always been so drawn to him and his music: He was tremendously profound and charismatic but also unabashed about his flaws.

It’s rare to find celebrities who manage to stay grounded while seamlessly combining artistry and activism.

Even though he’s no longer with us, we can still learn from John Lennon. He had a knack for extolling wisdom in concise terms.

Here are 10 timeless John Lennon quotes that put it all into perspective.